As the holiday tournaments begin in women’s college basketball, this is a true Ball-Knower’s weekend. A lot of the games on tap may lack the ranking-on-ranking star power or the ‘Mid-Major Natties’ of the prior week. But, if you know where to look, there’s some great gems to potentially be found here.

And that’s what we’re here for! We want you to know ball, and it’s on weekends like this where the true ‘Ball-Knower’ finds their Zen. So let’s dive in!

College of Charleston (4-0) vs. Quinnipiac (2-2): 5:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: I talked in Five Out this week about Taryn Barbot, the sparkplug scoring guard out of CofC. If you’ve been waiting for a chance to see her, this is a great game to put on before switching over to USC vs. Notre Dame. While you’re watching Taryn, you’ll also see her sister Taylor, who is the Cougars second leading scorer. If that tandem gets rocking, they’ll be a tough out for a Quinnipiac team that has already dropped two important resume games this season.

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

No. 11 USC (3-1) vs. No. 24 Notre Dame (3-1): 6:00 PM ET, ESPN

Why it’s worth a watch: This game should be all sorts of interesting. Notre Dame is coming off a loss that tumbled them down the AP Top 25 rankings and saw the start of some ‘How good is Hannah Hidalgo, really?’ discourse. But if there were ever a time to reset the dialogue, it’s at home in a primetime spot against USC. The Trojans showed that while they may not have a frontcourt that can challenge the likes of a South Carolina yet, they’re still a highly talented group with a high ceiling. Given the conversation of this week, I expect Notre Dame to open this game like they got shot out of a cannon.

Must-Watch Score: 8.5/10

Cleveland State (4-0) vs. Northwestern (4-0): 7:30 PM ET, B1G+

Why it’s worth a watch: This game has quietly great upset potential. Cleveland State has traded off with Green Bay as Horizon League champions over the last few years and have shown in the past they have the potential to knock off a power-conference opponent here and there. Northwestern is 4-0 in Joe McKeown’s final season at the helm and have already weathered some early tests by mid-major foes. Can they turn one last ride into a dream season? It starts with games like this one.

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

No. 6 Michigan (4-0) vs. No. 1 UConn (4-0): 8:00 PM ET, FOX

Why it’s worth a watch: This is the Game of the Weekend but, more importantly, could be a coming out party for Syla Swords depending on how she plays. Last year, the Canadian phenom felt like everyone’s favorite underdiscussed player and has been a bit quiet to open this season. Now, with backcourt mate Olivia Olson surging, Michigan has a chance to turn some heads here. Will they run up on a buzzsaw UConn team led by a potentially historically great Sarah Strong? Yes. But I’ll still be seated regardless.

Must-Watch Score: 9.5/10

Colorado State (4-0) vs. Oregon State (4-0): 9:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: Colorado State managed to pull another star in the transfer portal this year and so far it’s paid dividends. Former Indiana guard Lexus Bargesser is averaging over 17 points per game for the 4-0 Rams, who see a similarly undefeated Oregon State in a matchup of future Pac-12 opponents. I’ve gotta do some writing on OSU’s Tiara Bolden because she is a great story dating back to her Churchill High School days. It’s always fun to watch someone you covered as a young sports reporter on the prep scene jump to a bigger stage and immediately succeed. Expect a feature on her from us soon.

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

Princeton (3-1) vs. Penn State (4-0): 1:00 PM ET, No Stream :(

Why it’s worth a watch: Sadly this is just a box score watcher but I wanted to list it because it has the potential to be a genuinely great game. Sigh.

Must-Watch Score: N/A

No. 20 Kentucky (6-0) vs. No. 21 Louisville (4-1)

Why it’s worth a watch: This is a big one for Jeff Walz’ Cardinals. It feels like Kenny Brooks took over the state of Kentucky in just one season in Lexington. With the Wildcats ascending behind star center Clara Strack, Lousiville’s longtime hold as the dominant power in the region may be legitimately challenged. The battle in the frontcourt with Strack on one end and Laura Ziegler on the other makes for compelling television.

Must-Watch Score: 8/10

Kansas State (4-2) vs. Green Bay (4-1): 2:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: Green Bay fell to Wisconsin earlier this week, but not by much. The Phoenix proved that they can scare just about any team in the power conference that isn’t a top ten unit and this year, Kansas State is not a top ten unit. With the Wildcats licking their wounds after two losses to Texas A&M and South Dakota, GB might be in a spot to mess around and do something.

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

Missouri State (5-0) vs. Tulsa (4-0): 3:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: For those unaware, Missouri State is one of the most historically significant mid-major programs and a great coaching incubator for young talent. While some of their league mates in the MVC have started to catch up to them, the Bears have a star in Kaemyn Bekemeier, a 5’9 guard averaging 10 rebounds per game. It’ll be a fun battle and a chance for fans to also learn about Angie Nelp, Tulsa’s head coach and an up-and-comer to watch for bigger jobs down the road.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

Miami (4-0) vs. No. 19 Iowa (5-0): 8:00 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: I’d argue that Iowa’s midweek win over No. 7 Baylor was the high watermark of Jan Jensen’s head coaching tenure so far with the Hawkeyes. While Miami is not of the same caliber as the Lady Bears, Tricia Cullop’s Hurricanes are spry and just held off an A-10 contender in Davidson earlier this week. Iowa has a serious frontcourt star in Ava Heiden. Buy stock now.

Must-Watch Score: 8/10

George Mason (4-1) vs. No. 9 Maryland (6-0): 2:30 PM ET, BTN

Why it’s worth a watch: I bought into this game a bit more last year but it feels as though we’ll still get a competitive half of basketball out of these two teams. George Mason has knocked out the best two mid-major teams on their schedule but there’s some concern that Florida Gulf Coast and James Madison may not be as good as we thought this year. If it gets out of hand, then keep the game on to watch Maryland’s Oluchi Okananwa, who you’ll learn more about in a Luxury Tax installment later this weekend.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

Ohio State (3-1) vs. Belmont (3-2): 11:00 AM ET, Flo Sports

Why it’s worth a watch: Don’t let Belmont’s record fool you. Their two losses are to Tennessee and Oklahoma, both on the road. On neutral ground and against an Ohio State team that we’re still assessing, this game could be fun. Belmont’s Jailyn Banks will have her hands full against the Ohio State backcourt of Jaloni Cambridge (19.2 PPG) and Chance Gray (14.5 PPG). The Buckeyes still have some frontcourt questions but the pace should be fun here.

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

Minnesota (4-1) vs. South Florida (3-2): 4:00 PM ET, Flo Sports

Why it’s worth a watch: Initially I was skeptical about USF as a buy-low candidate in the wake of Jose Fernandez’ departure to the WNBA. But then the Bulls went out and beat Duke and now I need to reassess them again. I would’ve taken Minnesota in a landslide here but the Golden Gophers loss to Kansas has me thinking this could be intriguing.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

Colorado (3-1) vs. VCU (3-1): 7:30 PM ET, BallerTV

Why it’s worth a watch: Another great tournament resume game. The Buffaloes look pretty interesting after a bit of a rebuilding season in 2024. Yes, they lost to Louisville 74-68 this season but they’ve blown out basically everyone else. VCU may not be in the upper echelon of the A-10 this year but they can be dangerous. If you’re going to watch this game, keep an eye on Colorado forward Anaelle Dutat, who is nearly averaging a double-double.

Must-Watch Score: 7.5/10

UC Davis (3-2) vs. Sacramento State (4-1): 9:30 PM ET, ESPN+

Why it’s worth a watch: Sacramento State is quietly a really interesting story this year. After Mark Campbell left for TCU, Aaron Kallhoff inherited a program that had next to no one from the Big Sky championship run on the roster. The results were to be expected and the rebuild has taken a bit. But now, the Hornets are 4-1, finally playing in a (semi) legitimate arena and get a chance to flex their capitol region muscle in an early season Causeway Classic matchup.

Must-Watch Score: 7/10

Join 74,000 readers who wake up with Livelong, the fastest growing Longevity newsletter that empowers you with information to feel better, and live longer. Get actionable information based on the latest health studies from leading research institutions, medical professionals, and longevity scientists. Join the medical professionals, early adopters, and health enthusiasts who already read Livelong.

100% Free. Join now.